RULES for EU-family members

Third country citizens who are EU family members and this status is highlighted on their Bulgarian Residence Card (new type) are exempt from Visa obligation provided that they travel together with their EU citizen family member or join this family member in the destination schengen country.

In the event if the third country family member travels together with his EU citizen family member or join this family member in the destination schengen country, but does not hold a Bulgarian Residence Card that states his family member status (old type), then the third country family member is obliged to apply for a Schengen visa. The procedure is simplified and no visa fee is charged.

Necessary documents include: - passport

• photo
• residence permission
• marriage certificate (Akt za brak)
• certificate of family status from the local municipality

(udostoverenje za semejnoto polozjenje ot obstinata)

Finally, if the third country family member travels without his EU family member and doesnt join this family member in the destination country the general rules apply, thus he/she qualifies as a standard, non-EU family member third country applicant regardless whether he/she holds the new or old type of residence card.